Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[Opa]

My birds go out back into the woods to return to the earth, and maybe help another critter along the way.

Speaking of helping another critter, I've started taking all of my culled birds to the nature center to feed the raptors they are caring for. The volunteers said it was amazing to see the eagles reaction to a chicken after their steady diet of rats. This fall I will be taking all of my salmon carcasses to them. Since eagles prefer to feed along rivers and streams, the fish should be a real treat.

 

[SillyChicken]

My birds go out back into the woods to return to the earth, and maybe help another critter along the way.

Spent all day yesterday building this, then installing the bees - I stood next to the hive for quite a while after unpacking them, listening to them fly around. They landed all over me (I had on a jacket and screen hood but only jeans and bare hands otherwise) without a sting until one got pinched between my legs when I took a step. Can't say I blame her. It was interesting to listen to them, each sounded quite different from the others, some high-pitched and agitated, others gently buzzing.

Yeah bees! Good luck! Ours are doing well so far!

 

[tori8780]

My birds go out back into the woods to return to the earth, and maybe help another critter along the way.

Spent all day yesterday building this, then installing the bees - I stood next to the hive for quite a while after unpacking them, listening to them fly around. They landed all over me (I had on a jacket and screen hood but only jeans and bare hands otherwise) without a sting until one got pinched between my legs when I took a step. Can't say I blame her. It was interesting to listen to them, each sounded quite different from the others, some high-pitched and agitated, others gently buzzing.

Do you mind sharing your plans for this? We want to build a top bar hive as well. Not sure DH has the carpentry skills though.

 

[aart]

I've never seen a bee hive like that one before.

 

[RaZ]

Spent all day yesterday building this, then installing the bees - I stood next to the hive for quite a while after unpacking them, listening to them fly around. They landed all over me (I had on a jacket and screen hood but only jeans and bare hands otherwise) without a sting until one got pinched between my legs when I took a step. Can't say I blame her. It was interesting to listen to them, each sounded quite different from the others, some high-pitched and agitated, others gently buzzing.

Nice! I set my bees with no gloves, jacket or hood. Not a single sting but then again some folks are more comfortable wearing the gear. As long as people are giving them a chance.

Do you mind sharing your plans for this? We want to build a top bar hive as well. Not sure DH has the carpentry skills though.

You can search for free plans on line or even kits that you can assemble. Or order some frames and build a "box" around them as a way to practice carpentry skills. The bees won't care if their hive isn't perfectly square or photo ready for BH&G, they will still be happy to have a home.

Don't forget about the native bees either, they could use some help for their nests. Simple things like bamboo bundled together recreates the hollows that they like. I'll look for some ideas to share later when I come back in.

 

[1muttsfan]

The plans - and the bees - came from Gold Star Honeybees in Maine. They do not chemically treat their bees in any way (no pesticides or fungicides), so they tend to be more resistant to mites and funguses. The kit I ordered comes with the top bars, hardware and follower boards, as those are the most complicated parts to build. The rest just takes wood and tools such as table saw, circular saw, and power drill. It was time consuming, but the outcome is very nice.

Moved the 3 week old chicks out to the small coop today after giving it a good cleanout - No birds in the house/garage! Yay!

 

[Trefoil]

My birds go out back into the woods to return to the earth, and maybe help another critter along the way.

Spent all day yesterday building this, then installing the bees - I stood next to the hive for quite a while after unpacking them, listening to them fly around. They landed all over me (I had on a jacket and screen hood but only jeans and bare hands otherwise) without a sting until one got pinched between my legs when I took a step. Can't say I blame her. It was interesting to listen to them, each sounded quite different from the others, some high-pitched and agitated, others gently buzzing.

I've never seen this kind of hive before. Are they supposed to be better for winter survival?

 

[preciouskitty]

Wow. Babies are 1 week old today. Have had their crate in the pen open all day. Maia has brought them in and out; taken them all around the entire pen.
Few minutes ago, went out on deck to check on everyone & could hear hear distinctive clucking/talking to them. Looked down & there they were with the rest of the birds showing me just how much weeding I have to do. Pix of the babies are looking down basically right down from where the blue cooler is on the front deck...

I am simply amazed at the difference in their "development" with a broody vs. raising them in a brooder in the house...

 

[Amy PT]

My Spazzie is dead

I'm sorry. It sounds like you've found comfort in the new babies.

@1muttsfan , cool box. Good luck with your bees!

We spent the whole afternoon outside doing yardwork. It's a perfect day for it. I harvested a few stalks of rhubarb, and will make pie later. Our flock of 6 is slowing meshing. This spring's babies irritate our 2 year old hens, but they can share space for a few minutes without attempted stomping. They'll get there.

 

[tori8780]

Wow. Babies are 1 week old today. Have had their crate in the pen open all day. Maia has brought them in and out; taken them all around the entire pen.
Few minutes ago, went out on deck to check on everyone & could hear hear distinctive clucking/talking to them. Looked down & there they were with the rest of the birds showing me just how much weeding I have to do. Pix of the babies are looking down basically right down from where the blue cooler is on the front deck...

I am simply amazed at the difference in their "development" with a broody vs. raising them in a brooder in the house...

So sorry about your Spazzie. Its always hard losing a beloved pet

I cant believe our chicks are a week old already! I was just out there with them and noticed their wing feathers and was thinking how quickly they seem to be growing up! LOL. Mama hasnt take them outside yet but that's more our fault since the chicks cant really navigate our ramp to the pop door. I caught Mama sitting on another clutch of eggs tonight when I was just out there. I'm gonna have to keep my eye on her! Mama2 (Nugget) is sitting on 8 eggs now. We had to put ANOTHER dog crate out there because Mama went and attacked her, kicked her off the nest then settled in on the eggs! I forsee problems, lol. So now they each get a dog crate and my poor dogs have nothing (well..now they are sleeping with me at night, so its a win for them!).